Crawford avalanche., 1887-07-28


Ba2i6o one. f'oftiihaitsiy Y6r mem, rney nth
in with an honest man, who took great
liking to Harry and Charley ana VINO
willingly consented to their accompanying
his party.
They had been out for days, making
their way over almost impossible walls oil
rock, through canyons and gulches, In
search OF one of the valleys or pockets
where surface gold was principally found
in those days.
One day Andy Carter. tho leader, was
badly hurt by fall, and 1t was soon seen
| that he must be left behind and some one
| must stay TO care for him.
Not sight of the precious metal had
been seen, and our boys were weary and
| disheartened. They at once volunteered to
STAY, he being the only one in the party that
| had troubled 10 be kind to the lads.
They were journeying up a broad canyon
when the accident happened, and the nrst
| side ravine was explored for suitable
/ place for n camp. II was soon found,
tiny valley half mile away, with water
and small underbrush that would do Tor
| fuel.
The whole marty, some twenty-two, pro-
| ceedel thither oil once, carefully carrying
| the wounded man.
The sugar bowl" the boys at once
| dubbed ii, and no other name would SO well
describe its shape. There was perhaps
quarter of an acre of land. inclosed by
hi III wall of rock; no outlet save the mar
row ravine, through which they had entered.
A fine spring bubbled and boiled from
the rock upon one side, danced and sung
across the valley, then disappeared in an
opening in the wall Of rock upon the other.
Upon three sides the rock was smooth,
with scarce a footing for a bird, but upon
the fourth il sloped gradually upward, and
was covered with a dense growth OF stunted
| vines.
Near the spring a tent was pitched fol
Andy, and the party robbed themselves oi
blankets to make him comfortable.
Then leaving generous supply oi
ammunition and provisions, the party went
on their way, and none OF them were soer
again by our party for years.
Andy looked blue when he saw the las
one disappear, and turned himself labor
ously on bis blanket bed.
We'll, boys, we are in for 1t; I'm afrii(
you will be sorry you stayed. There's
neither gold or glory TO be gained here.
"Who knows!" cried Charley, Gaily strik
ing his spade into the earth, I'VE may b'
. standing upon q mine now."
Andy laughed heartily, and hoped 1t wa
SO.
But boys, the first thing 10 do is 10 de.
| eide who is boss of this arsenal and h
; glanced smilingly at their supplies ile'
near.
you, of course" cried the boys in con
cert.
J aAll right" he replied. "Then NOV
that You both search tho wall all about 70
a she tered spot 10 store our goods. w
arc too far from town to make 1t easy Z
procure more, if these get dam ,ged."
"All right" came cheerily, and the scare
: began.
The round was almost made, with n
discovery, and feeling of disappointmer
, was beginning to be felt by the boys, whe
n shout from Harry, who was slightly 4
J advance, proclaimed the desired find.
"Hurrahl here it isl" And he drew asid
curtain of vines and branches OF th
: pine, revealing deep cavity-not GOV
= BY any means, but hollow deep enoug
for the purpose.
II was very near the tent, too, Whic
pleased Andy, as he said he could kee
guard while the boys we're alb cent, givin
as his opinion that neither would be cor
tent 10 lie idle long.
Such n thought had not occurred to Il
boys, and they shook their heads, b'
events proved the elder mans judgment
l be correct.
For few days 10 lie at full length upc
as the green grass was luxury, but the
" / H0rry began 10 Wow buo uuou-BhO"h oOi
a. askant, and wonder what lay beyon
:. From wondering TO climbing, and th'
began series of exploring expedition
But to the boys credit, be II said, th,
never left the wounded man alone.
hurt was in his right hip, and for son
days he suffered terribly; then under q
bows faithful care, under his instructio
he began TO gain rapidly. Then It was Z
bows began 10 look about.
n After tedious climb many small I
y vines and guIlies were found, through Sol
Of which bright streams OF icy water sa
=. merrily.
X Harry was boy of sound sense and go
- Judgment, while Charley was the revcr
lmpulsive and hasty, he took no thought
cons quonccs.
n SO when he took his turn NJ prospectir
Andy aud Harry we're in state OF 81
|, pense, until his signal whistle sounded
his return.
One night IL came hours later than usu
and both were half wild with anxiety. /
he was wilder than either, and exhibited
, handful OF small nuggets OF almost p'
gold.
Andy instantly shared his excitement, O
next day MT Harry along, but both return
empty handed. Charley had found
mt gold In tiny pool, but both searched
Dn- rivulet TO its source, without finding anot